Disclaimer: Everything written below is the sole opinion of yours truly based on personal experience and published news reports. I have no insider knowledge about any actual tablet or any company’s efforts to prepare for its coming.
By Greg Pak
In 1999, Apple changed my life as a filmmaker by introducing Final Cut Pro, a digital video editing program that allowed me to cut professional quality video on my home computer. Without Final Cut Pro, I might never have been able to make any of my post-film-school short films or my feature film “Robot Stories.” And so I might never have gotten a job working as a writer for Marvel Comics.
This month, I’m hoping Apple changes my life as a comic book writer by releasing the much-hyped but never confirmed Apple tablet, which according to the latest rumors is called the iGuide or iSlate, has a 10.1 inch touch screen, and will be announced on January 26, 2010.
In my digital comics fantasy, a gorgeous tablet computer supported by an integrated, easy-to-use and reasonably priced online store will lead to the exponential growth of the comics buying audience. Prices of individual comics will fall, but the circulation will be so much higher that profits will increase handsomely. A whole new generation will grow up reading comics every day, big comics will become blockbusters, small comics will build healthy niche audiences, and we’ll all grow sleek and fat and happy.
How can that fantasy become reality? Read on for one comic book writer’s two cents:
Comics
ComicAttack loves “War Machine” #12
“War Machine” #12, the final issue of Greg Pak’s series, has nabbed a rave review from ComicAttack.net. Here’s an excerpt:
Pak has been impressive this entire series and brought War Machine to another level in my opinion. His interpretation of Rhodes feels the most real and has substance that (at this point anyway) makes him seem more viable and not some knock off or throw away character. Pak has introduced us to the strategist and forward thinker as well as the hero that is Jim Rhodes.
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I suggest grabbing the trade as soon as it’s available and again I’ll say this: War Machine is one of the best books you’re not reading!
“Magneto Testament” makes a ComicAttack Top 5 of 2009 list
“Magneto Testament,” written by Greg Pak with art by Carmine DiGiandomenico, has been named one of the Top 5 comics of 2009 by Jeff Jackson at ComicAttack.net. Here’s the blurb:
One of the best stories Marvel has published ever, in my opinion, like Old Man Logan, featured a character not in his traditional element. This story fleshed out the background of Magneto in the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz. It was horrible, beautiful, and meaningful. Forget Hulk, this is Greg Pak’s best work.
“Magneto Testament” named Favorite Collected Miniseries of 2009 by ComicList
Comic Lists’s Geek Goggle Year Ender has given the Favorite Collected Miniseries of 2009 nod to “Magneto Testament,” written by Greg Pak. Here’s the blurb:
Normally I don’t purchase trades if I own the single issues but this series was too good to pass up on in the collected form and it included a ton of extras in it. The volume had extensive information about the Holocaust as well as some of the items used to research this story. If you did miss this mini series it’s probably better to pick up the collected edition because of all of the extras.
More bloggers put “Incredible Hercules” on their Best of 2009 lists
Herc is better than all other superhero comics that came out in 2009, and frankly is about the only thing that gets me into the shop these days. It’s not just hilarious, but a smart integration of myth, archetypal heroic storytelling, and awesomely retarded superhero b***s***. All the epic godly grandeur, improbable science, and fantastic sound effects are grounded by one of the more believable relationships in comics, the friendship of Hercules and Amadeus Cho.
MY FAVORITE ONGOING SERIES (SUPER HERO): Incredible Hercules by Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente.
There were a number of ongoing titles I followed this last decade which I would consider great comics (see below), but above them all I’ve chosen Incredible Hercules.
Maybe the most fun superhero book in years. On the surface, a super-goofy adventure book staring Herc and teen sidekick/super-genius Amadeus Cho, full of giant fights and the best sound effects in comics. On closer inspection, it becomes a great exploration on the nature of heroics, and the relationship between superheroes and their older brother, ancient myth.
UPDATE: Add Jeff at Jim Hanley’s Universe to the list!
Folding in intricacies of greek myth, quantum mechanics, asides that do everything from brilliantly extrapolating the mechanisms of the afterlife to the best sound effects in comics (SUKKA-PUNCH!), rip-roaring action set pieces and complex yet accessible stories, this is the smartest comic on the stands while never loosing its goofiness.
Austin American Statesman names “Incredible Hercules” as one of 2009’s notables
The Austin American Statesman has dubbed “Incredible Hercules,” “Captain America,” “Secret Six,” and “Detective Comics” as “four of the very best mainstream comics being published today.” Here’s the blurb about Herc:
“Hercules” is a perfect admixture of vintage mythology, sitcom humor, high adventure and punching.
The Buy Pile loves “Incredible Hercules” #139
Comic Book Resources’ “Buy Pile” once again lauds “Incredible Hercules” with a rave for issue #139. Here’s an excerpt:
Between the action and the backstory there’s just enough going on for it to all meld together interestingly, thanks again to a well-balanced script from Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente with creative and engaging artwork from Rodney Buchemi, Reilly Brown and Guillem Mari. Some things worth noting: Zeus and Quicksilver sharing a very fun moment, Amadeus using other people to do his will (“What the hell, kid?”) and an “amazing” line from Peter Parker (“I prefer to think of myself as an irreverent commentator on the mundane foibles of everyday existence. Like a Thurber or Keillor! Except I do it while kicking people in the face!”) that are all gems that help this issue shine.
YouOffendMeYouOffendMyFamily names “Magneto Testament” the best comic of 2009
Anderson at YouOffendMeYouOffendMyFamily.com has dubbed “Magneto Testament,” written by Greg Pak, the best comic book of 2009. Here’s an excerpt from the review:
Pak wrote a humanistic tale full of authentic and dark experiences that shaped the Magneto that we know today. It’s an origin story, much like Frank Miller’s seminal Batman: Year One but takes it one step further in crafting a storyline that doesn’t deal with men in tights and super powers.
Click here to read the post.
Click here to buy the “Magneto Testament” collected hardcover from Amazon.com.
CBR interviews artist Paul Pelletier about “Incredible Hulk”
Paul Pelletier becomes the new artist for “Incredible Hulk” starting with issue #606 and the start of the “Fall of the Hulks” storyline. Comic Book Resources has interviewed Pelletier about the Hulk and working with writer Greg Pak. Here’s an excerpt:
The main cast of Hulk lately has been Skaar and Bruce Banner in his non-Gamma irradiated form. What have you gotten out of drawing each character?
Well, just the disparity between the two characters is fun. You’ve got Banner, who’s spindly and a little wimpy, while Skaar is this big barbarian-type character. With the two characters, it’s fun to see them work together. Growing up, one of my favorite comic books was “Power Man & Iron Fist.” You put the two of them together and it’s fun to see the types play off each other. That’s what it’s like with Skaar and Banner.
Click here to read the whole thing — and view more gorgeous preview art!
NYCC giving away tickets to “Planet Hulk” DVD premiere screening events
The New York Comic Con is giving away tickets to the January 14 premiere screening events of the “Planet Hulk” DVD in New York and Los Angeles.
Visit NewYorkComicCon.com to enter to win tickets!
“Planet Hulk” comic book writer Greg Pak will attend the New York screening in person.